SteelCloud’s quality management system incorporates a formal product realization process for taking a new product from conception to full production and post-sales support.  There are six major stages to SteelCloud’s Appliance Product Realization Process:

Requirements Gathering
Our Product Management and engineering staff works with the customer to gain a complete understand the application software and it’s environment, and to help define hardware requirements.  We then configure a system which forms the basis of a preliminary high-level requirements document (HLR) created by our Engineering Department. 

A written proposal is submitted which outlines the planned schedule, deliverables, costs, warranty, support, branding, and all other relevant issues.   Upon customer acceptance we then move into the planning design phase.

Planning/Design
The HLR is finalized with details that serve as the preliminary Technical Design Document and as the Customer Requirements Checklist against which verification and validation are performed. 

Development
Product development work commences.  An early prototype is produced which has the same internal components as indicated in the HLR.  Some of the other product elements may be missing or different however, the goal is to get early concurrence on the fundamental product under development. 

Prototype
Prototypes are thoroughly tested for form-fit and operating system compatibility.  The prototype is subjected to extensive thermal testing, ensuring adequate cooling for all internal components.  We also use the customer’s functional test scripts to run “close-to-real” testing.  During the development stage we create detailed work instructions for the final production units and design customer packaging materials.  The prototype appliance must be approved by the customer, before any further development is performed. 

First Article
When the prototype is accepted, Product Management and Engineering completes development and delivers the first article for final verification and acceptance.  The appliance is assembled and tested using the work instructions written during the development phase.  Thorough quality checks are executed and quality control documents are finalized.

Production
Production commences when the First Article is accepted by the customer.  Product Management and Engineering will prepare and transfer to their production counterparts all material and information necessary for volume production.   The production staff will receive training on assembly, test, and burn-in procedures.  At this point, the Program Management team will assume responsibility for the project and manage day-to-day operations as well as become the “point of contact” for customer communications.

Moving a software product onto an appliance has serious branding ramifications.  The appliance must look and perform like it was made specifically for the software its running.  From the corrugated cardboard shipping box, to the start-up guide, to the color of the chassis, to the appliance set-up screens, they all need the same look and feel as the application software and the company whose name is on the label.

In today’s fast maturing world of high technology, branding is a crucial component in the success formula for any new product offering.  Appliance branding starts with labeling the shipping container and the appliance itself.  A great job here ensures the right first impression with customers. A merely ordinary job represents a wasted opportunity that can’t be regained. 

The front bezel is particularly important, because it will continue to be your company’s visual optic for the life of the appliance.  SteelCloud offers a large selection of custom bezels that can be designed with the customer logo, model number, color & texture, etc.

Branding can be customized all the way through to the welcome screens, start-up guide, peripheral accessories and any accompanying marketing brochures.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make your appliance a customer loyalty tool and your brand stand out.